The political establishment in Tehran is once again being tested—this time over the contentious Zangazur corridor and Iran’s evolving relationship with its northwestern neighbor, Azerbaijan. At the center of the latest storm is Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose recent statements advocating for de-escalation and regional integration have sparked fierce backlash from conservative circles and figures close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

During a recent speech, Pezeshkian questioned Iran’s longstanding posture toward Azerbaijan, suggesting that Tehran's failure to build strong relations with Baku opened the door for external actors like Israel. “It is our fault that we cannot be friends with Azerbaijan, that Israel came and became friends with Azerbaijan,” he noted, underscoring his broader critique of isolationist foreign policy. He also downplayed the so-called Zangazur issue—calling it a “small matter”—and emphasized the importance of constructive ties with all neighbors.

The reaction from conservative quarters was swift and severe. Tehran MP Hamid Resayi, speaking in the Majlis, accused Pezeshkian of "giving excuses to the enemy" and undermining the legacy of Iranian foreign policy. Merely subjugating the idea that Azerbaijan's close relationship with Israel threatens not only Iran's sovereignty but the Azerbaijani people's lives too. The MP went further to question Pezeshkian's loyalty to the Supreme Leader, invoking nationalist sentiment and suggesting the president’s approach is dangerously out of step with the ideological line of the Islamic Republic.

Perhaps, this is Iran's own position; it is unpleasant but represents reality. Whether we like it or not, this is the situation. In other words, it is important to understand that whichever state has close relations with another should not feel a special obligation to either side. Azerbaijan has always maintained a balanced policy; it is not a new idea. In the early years of Azerbaijan's independence, the attitude toward Iran was completely different in our society. There was a warmer attitude and stronger........

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